Heel protector and corresponding rehabilitation systems and methods for using the same

ABSTRACT

A heel protector ( 100 ) includes a leg engaging section ( 101 ) and a foot engaging section ( 102 ) intersecting at a heel receiver ( 103 ). The leg engaging section ( 101 ) and the foot engaging section ( 102 ) define a leg insertion aperture ( 104 ). The leg engaging section ( 101 ) defines at least one aperture ( 203 ) disposed in an ankle region ( 205 ) to permit a connection tube ( 1002 ) extending from an inflatable bladder ( 901 ) of a compression device ( 800 ) to pass therethrough. The heel protector ( 100 ) and compression device ( 800 ) work together as a rehabilitation system ( 1300 ).

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/649,920, filed Oct. 11, 2012, which is incorporated by reference forall purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to therapy systems, and moreparticularly to devices for preventing complications during therapy.

2. Background Art

Limb protection devices, including boots, braces, wraps, socks, sleeves,and the like are used to protect a patient's limbs. These devices can beused for a variety of reasons, including limb elevation, limb pressurealleviation, limb protection, and limb strengthening.

While many of these devices work reasonably well in practice, problemswith their usage exist. When left on for long periods of time, or whenused incorrectly, these devices can sometimes lead to skin breakdown orthe formation of pressure ulcers. Where this occurs, the therapeuticdevice creates new medical conditions that must be treated while aidingin the rehabilitation of previously existing conditions. These newissues only serve to extend the overall rehabilitation time for thepatient. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have an improvedtherapeutic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages allin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation view of one explanatory heelprotector configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear elevation view of one explanatory heelprotector configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a patient's limb being placed into a leg insertionaperture defined along a leg engaging section and a foot engagingsection of one explanatory heel protector configured in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates one explanatory heel protector configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention upon beingapplied to a patient's limb.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate configuration of attachment straps ofone explanatory heel protector configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a patient's limb being placed into a leg insertionaperture defined along a leg engaging section and a foot engagingsection of an alternate configuration of one explanatory heel protectorconfigured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates one explanatory heel protector in use with oneexplanatory bolster, each being configured in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of one explanatory compression deviceconfigured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional plan view of one explanatory compressiondevice configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 10 illustrates another sectional plan view of one explanatorycompression device configured in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top plan view of another explanatory compressiondevice configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a patient wearing one explanatory compression deviceconfigured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a patient's limb wearing one explanatory compressiondevice configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention being placed into a leg insertion aperture defined along a legengaging section and a foot engaging section of one explanatory heelprotector configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 14 illustrates one explanatory heel protector configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention upon beingapplied to a patient's limb, where the patient's limb also has appliedthereto one explanatory compression device configured in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates one explanatory heel protector configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention upon beingapplied to a patient's limb, where the patient's limb also has appliedthereto one explanatory compression device configured in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention, with the resultingrehabilitation system being used with one explanatory bolster configuredin accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a sectional view of an alternate heel protectorconfigured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternate heel protector configured in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention upon being applied to apatient's limb, where the patient's limb also has applied thereto oneexplanatory compression device configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternate heel protector configured in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring tothe drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Asused in the description herein and throughout the claims, the followingterms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includesplural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relationalterms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or actionwithout necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationshipor order between such entities or actions. Also, reference designatorsshown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure otherthan the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device (10)while discussing figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figureother than figure A.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a cushioned heel protectorthat is configured for use with a compression device. In one embodiment,the heel protector includes a leg engaging section and a foot engagingsection. The leg engaging section intersects with the foot engagingsection and a heel receiver. A leg insertion aperture is defined alongthe leg engaging section and a foot engaging section. Once the patient'slimb is placed within the leg insertion aperture, one or more fasteningstraps can wrap from one side of the leg engaging portion across the leginsertion aperture to another side of the leg engaging portion to retainthe heel protector on the patient's limb.

In one embodiment, a compression device is placed upon the patient'slimb prior to applying the heel protector. The compression device can beconfigured for providing compression therapy to a patient's limb. In oneembodiment, the compression device comprises a wrap material, which canbe elasticized, that has an outer face and an inner face. The inner faceis disposed against the patient's limb, while the outer face is visiblewhen the wrap is applied to the limb. The wrap defines a proximal edge,a distal edge, and first and second side edges. One of the side edgesincludes a plurality of attachment tabs that are configured to attach—byhook and loop fastener or other attachment device—to the outer face whenthe wrap is wrapped about the patient's limb.

In one embodiment, the compression device includes a bladder that isconfigured to selectively inflate or deflate. In one embodiment, thebladder is disposed beneath a central panel of the compression device.In one embodiment, the bladder is inflatable through a connection tube.For example, in one application the bladder can be inflated with air toa pressure of forty millimeters of mercury to apply pressure to apatient's limb for compression therapy. Compression therapy may berequired to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or venousthrombo-embolisms, which are conditions where clots form in the blood.Patients undergoing surgery, under anesthesia, or undergoing extendedperiods of bed rest are at risk of clotting conditions associated withDVT. The clotting conditions frequently occur in the deep veins of thelower extremities, such as in the lower legs, due to the tendency ofblood to accumulate or pool in these areas. Static pools of blood cangive rise to clotting conditions. Where clots form, circulation can becompromised, thereby putting the patient's health at risk. Further,clots can break free, which puts the patient at risk for embolism, whichin some circumstances can be life threatening. Application of acompression device can work to prevent pooling, thereby reducing therisk that a clot will form.

However, the inventors of embodiments of the present invention have cometo understand that the use of a compression device with a conventionalheel offloading boot or limb covering creates new problems.Specifically, when using compression devices with boots or othercoverings there is an increased risk of skin breakdown due to the factthat tubing from the compression device can come into contact with thepatient's skin when the boot or other covering is wrapped about thecompression device. Prior art boots and coverings provide as much asthree inches along which tubing from compression devices can contact thepatient's skin. When the tubing is not placed precisely within the bootor covering, it will contact the patient's skin, thereby significantlyincreasing the risk of skin breakdown. Even when the tubing is placedcorrectly when the boot or covering is applied, patient movement ortubing manipulation outside the boot or covering can cause the tubing tocontact the patient's skin, thereby exacerbating skin breakdown. Thisproblem can be exacerbated due to the fact that the boot or covering isapplying pressure that presses the tubing against the patient's skin.

Embodiments of the heel protector described herein specifically addressthis problem that occurs with prior art designs by including one or moreapertures disposed along the leg engaging section of the heel protector,with those apertures being configured to permit a connection tubeextending from an inflatable bladder of a compression device to passtherethrough. Moreover, while embodiments of the present invention canbe used with prior art compression devices, when using a compressiondevice configured in accordance with the present disclosure, theconnection tubing can be configured to exit the compression device at anon-orthogonal angle, thereby permitting the connection tubing to easilypass from the compression device to the aperture without risk ofcontacting the patient's skin.

For example, in one embodiment, to provide a better user experience, theconnection tube exits the bladder at a non-orthogonal angle relative tothe distal edge of the compression device. When the bladder is disposedbeneath the patient's leg, the non-orthogonal angle ensures that theconnection tube does not run parallel to the patient's leg, therebycausing discomfort and potential skin breakdown that occurs when theconnection tube passes along the patient's Achilles tendon. It alsofacilitates the connection tube passing conveniently through theapertures in the medial or lateral sides of the leg engaging portion ofthe heel protector. Advantageously, this both increases comfort for thepatient over prior art designs and reduces or eliminates the risk ofskin breakdown because the connection tube does not contact thepatient's skin. Moreover, embodiments of the invention are easier for ahealth care services provider to apply.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrated therein is one explanatoryembodiment of a heel protector 100 configured in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the invention. In the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the heel protector 100 includes a leg engaging section101 and a foot engaging section 102. The leg engaging section 101intersects the foot engaging section 102 at a heel receiver 103. In oneembodiment, the heel receiver 103 defines an aperture 201 through whicha patient's heel can be seen when the heel protector 100 is applied tothe patient's leg. The leg engaging section 101 and the foot engagingsection 102 have defined therealong a leg insertion aperture 104. Apatient's leg can be inserted through the leg insertion aperture 104, aswill be shown in FIG. 3 below.

In one embodiment, the heel protector 100 includes one or more fasteningstraps 105,106,107,108 extending from the sides of the leg engagingsection 101, the foot engaging section, or combinations thereof. Forexample, in the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the heelprotector 100 has four fastening straps 105,106,107,108 extending fromits sides. At least one fastening strap 105 extends from a first side ofthe heel protector 100, while others extend from another side of theheel protector 100. This allows the fastening straps to “criss-cross”from one side of the heel protector 100 to the other. In thisillustrative embodiment, two fastening straps 105,106 extend from thefoot engaging section 102, while two other fastening straps 107,108extend from the leg engaging section 101. Also, in this illustrativeembodiment, three fastening straps 106,107,108 extend from the medialside 109 of the heel protector 100, while one fastening strap 105extends from the lateral side 110 of the heel protector 100. Thisconfiguration is illustrative only, as other configurations andplacements of the fastening straps 105,106,107,108 will be obvious tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

In one embodiment, the fastening straps 105,106,107,108 are stretchable.For example, they may comprise an elasticized material configured tostretch when being wrapped about the leg insertion aperture 104. Inanother embodiment, the fastening straps 105,106,107,108 are notstretchable, but are rather material layers that are fixed in length anddo not change when being wrapped about the leg insertion aperture 104.The fastening straps 105,106,107,108 are affixed to the heel protector100 by stitching in one embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates fastening straps107,108 being attached to the leg engaging section 101 along seam 202.

In one embodiment, each of the fastening straps 105,106,107,108comprises one of a hook fastener or a loop fastener disposed therealong.Illustrating by example, fastening strap 105 may have hook fastenersdisposed along side 111. To complete the fastening system, in oneembodiment the leg engaging section 101 includes one or more panels112,113 that have a complementary fastener disposed therealong. Where,for example, fastening strap 105 includes hook fasteners, correspondingpanel 112 may have loop fasteners disposed therealong, as the loopfasteners are complementary to the hook fasteners. Accordingly, whenfastening strap 105 is wrapped across the leg insertion aperture 104, itcan be attached anywhere along panel 112. The same is true withfastening straps 106,107,108 attaching to panel 113. While hook and loopfasteners are one type of fastener or attachment mechanism suitable foruse with embodiments of the invention, it should be noted that otherswill be obvious to those having ordinary skill in the art and thebenefit of this disclosure. For example, the hook and loop fasteners canbe replaced by laces, snaps, buttons, drawstrings, or other fasteningdevices.

In one embodiment, the interior lining 114 of the heel protector is softand comfortable. For example, in one embodiment the interior lining 114can be fleece or another soft material. In another embodiment, theinterior lining 114 can be felt or chamois. As noted above, in oneembodiment the heel protector 100 is configured to be used with acompression device. Accordingly, in one embodiment the interior lining114 can be configured to attach, mate, or otherwise interface with anexterior lining of the compression device.

In one embodiment, the interior lining 114 has a relatively highcoefficient of friction so that the heel protector 100 does not movewhen wrapped about a patient's limb or compression device attachedthereto. For example, the interior lining 114 can be brushed, napped orsanded to raise its pile for comfort and increase the coefficient offriction. In one embodiment, the interior lining 114 has anantibacterial, antimicrobial, or anti-odor material integrated thereinto help reduce the risk of bacteria, microbes, or odors from existing inthe interior of the heel protector 100 after prolonged use. The interiorlining 114 can also be manufactured from a wicking material. Theexterior 116 of the heel protector 100 may be water resistant orwaterproof as desired. In one embodiment, the interior of the heelprotector 100 can be constructed from a cooling material, such as a gelthat can be cooled to apply thermal therapy to the patient.

As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment the leg engaging section 101defines at least one aperture 203,204 disposed in an ankle region 205 ofthe leg engaging section 101. In one embodiment, the at least oneaperture 203,204 is disposed at least a predetermined distance 206 fromthe foot engaging section 102. For example, in one embodiment, aperture203 is disposed approximately six inches proximally from the aperture201 disposed in the heel receiver 103. As will be described below,separating the at least one aperture 203,204 from the foot engagingsection 102 by the predetermined distance 206 advantageously allows theheel protector 100 to be used with compression devices having connectiontubes exiting therefrom at non-orthogonal angles. This accommodation isnot possible using prior art heel protector designs. In one embodiment,the predetermined distance 206 would be about six inches.

In one embodiment, the aperture 203 is disposed about one inch superiorto the posterior aspect (which runs along the line of predetermineddistance 206) of the heel protector 100. Similarly, another aperture 204can be disposed as a mirror image of the first aperture 203. As notedabove and as will be shown below in further detail, in one or moreembodiments the heel protector 100 is configured for use as onecomponent in a rehabilitation system, with a corresponding componentcomprising a compression device. Where the compression device includes aconnection tube extending from an inflatable bladder, the inclusion ofapertures 203,204 help to minimize the risk of the connection tubecontacting a patient's skin by providing an easy and convenient exitport. The addition of the apertures 203,204 on the lateral side 110 andmedial side 109 of the leg engaging section 101 allows the connectiontube emanating from the compression device to run directly out of theheel protector 100, thereby eliminating the need to “tuck” tubing intothe seam of the boot and away from the skin. In one embodiment, oneaperture 203 is disposed about forty-five degrees around the legengaging section 101 from the other aperture 204.

As shown in the exploded view 220, in one embodiment the aperture 204can be configured as a channel 221 to permit a connection tube extendingfrom an inflatable bladder of a compression device to pass therethrough.The channel 221 can be reinforced about its perimeter 222. For instance,in one embodiment, the channel 221 is reinforced with stitching 223. Thechannel 221 can be disposed in-line with a seam 224 of the heelprotector 100, or as shown in the exploded view 220, can be proximallylocated with the seam 224.

In one embodiment, the apertures 203,204 are color-coded. As will bedescribed below, embodiments of compression devices configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention can becolor-coded in accordance with manufacturer, size, or otherconsiderations. Accordingly, in one embodiment the apertures 203,204 canbe correspondingly color-coded. Where the apertures 203,204 areconfigured to be used with differently color-coded compression devices,they may be color-coded differently. Where the apertures 203,204 are tobe used with a common compression device, they may be similarlycolor-coded.

As will also be described below, embodiments of the present inventioncan be configured to work not only with compression devices configuredin accordance with embodiments of the present invention, but also withprior art compression devices. When used with prior art compressiondevices, connection tubes can pass through channels of embodiments ofthe invention to exit from the aperture 201 disposed along the heelreceiver 103. Accordingly, this aperture 201 can be color coded as well.To differentiate between exit apertures for prior art compressionsleeves and those for compression devices configured in accordance withembodiments of the present invention, in one embodiment apertures203,204 and aperture 201 are color-coded differently.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a method of applying a heel protector 100is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3, a health care services provider 301passes a patient's leg 302 through the leg insertion aperture 104disposed along the leg engaging section 101 and the foot engagingsection 102 such that the patient's heel engages the heel receiver(103). Once this step is complete, the health care services provider 301will wrap the fastening straps 105,107,108 across the leg insertionaperture 104 to retain the heel protector 100 to the patient's leg 302.The result of this wrapping is shown in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, three of the fastening straps 106,107,108 have beenwrapped about the leg insertion aperture 104 and attached to panel 113.Similarly, fastening strap 105 has been wrapped about the leg insertionaperture 104 and attached to panel (112). This retains the heelprotector 100 to the patient's leg 302.

As shown in FIG. 4, fastening strap 105 and fastening strap 106 havebeen “criss-crossed.” Fastening straps 107,108 could have been similarlycriss-crossed, but have been left in a substantially parallelconfiguration in this illustrative embodiment. In one embodiment, thehealth care services provider (301) is instructed to achieve thisconfiguration as follows: after inserting the patient's leg 302 into theleg insertion aperture 104, fastening strap 108 is to be wrapped aboutthe leg insertion aperture 104 and attached to panel 113. Next,insertion strap 107 is to be wrapped about the leg insertion aperture104 and attached to panel 113 to securely affix the leg engaging section101 about the patient's leg 302. While fastening straps 107,108 can beattached so that they are substantially parallel, in one embodiment thehealth care services provider (301) is instructed to cause fasteningstrap 107 to extend toward the foot engaging section 102, and therebynon-parallel relative to fastening strap 108, to achieve a more snugfit.

Next, the health care services provider (301) is instructed to wrapfastening strap 106 across the leg insertion aperture 104 in asubstantially diagonal configuration to attach to panel 113.Corresponding fastening strap 105 can then criss-cross over fasteningstrap 106 to attach to panel (112). Fastening straps 105 and 106 work toretain the foot engaging section 102 to the patient's foot.

While the method shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is one method of applying a heelprotector 100 to the patient's leg 302, embodiments of the inventionprovide advantages over other prior art boots in that they can beapplied in differing configurations. Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6,illustrated therein is an alternate method for applying the heelprotector 100 to a patient's leg.

As shown in FIG. 5, the health care services provider 301 has completedthe first two steps described above, namely, after inserting thepatient's leg 302 into the leg insertion aperture 104, fastening strap108 is wrapped about the leg insertion aperture 104 and attached topanel (113). Next, insertion strap 107 is wrapped about the leginsertion aperture 104 and attached to panel (113) to securely affix theleg engaging section 101 about the patient's leg 302.

However, rather than criss-crossing fastening straps 105,106, in thisillustrative embodiment the health care services provider 301 attachesthese fastening straps 105,106 to the same side from which they emanate.This is referred to as the “foot-drop” protection method. Illustratingby example, fastening strap 106 is stretched parallel to the leginsertion aperture 104 and is attached to panel 112. The same is donewith fastening strap 105. The resulting configuration 600 is shown inFIG. 6.

In one or more embodiments, a bolster can be used with the heelprotector 100 to prevent inadvertent rotation of the patient's leg 302while disposed within the heel protector. Turning now to FIG. 7,illustrated therein is one such embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, a heel protector 100 has been applied to a patient'sleg 302. A bolster 700 has been placed beside the heel protector 100 toprovide resistance to rotational motion of the patient's leg 302. Saiddifferently, the bolster 700 is configured to stabilize the heelprotector 100 rotationally when worn by a patient. In this illustrativeembodiment, the bolster 700 is generally triangular in cross section andprovides an “ambidextrous” stabilizing wedge that can be placed oneither side of the heel protector 100. In one embodiment, a health careservices provider (301) is instructed to place a first bolster on oneside of the heel protector 100 and a second bolster on the other side ofthe heel protector 100. In other embodiments, a single bolster 700 canbe used as shown in FIG. 7. While a triangular cross section of thebolster 700 is shown in this illustrative embodiment, other crosssectional shapes will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, the bolster 700 is attached to the heel protector100. For example an edge 701 of the bolster 700 can be stitched to aseam 202 of the leg engaging section 101 of the heel protector 100.However, in other embodiments, the bolster 700 can be completelyseparated from the heel protector 100 so as to be used only whencircumstances warrant. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 7, thebolster 700 includes a fastener 702 that is complementary to a fastenerdisposed on an exterior of the leg engaging section 101 of the heelprotector 100. For example, where the leg engaging section 101 includespanel 112, which is one of a hook fastener or a loop fastener, thefastener 702 disposed on the exterior of the bolster 700 may be acomplementary fastener such as another of the hook fastener or the loopfastener. In such a configuration, the bolster 700 can be attached tothe leg engaging section 101 as necessary, but can be removed when notneeded.

As noted above, in one embodiment the heel protector 100 is configuredto be used with a compression device such that both are wornsimultaneously by the patient. Turning now to FIG. 8, illustratedtherein is one explanatory compression device 800. In one embodiment,the compression device 800 is configured to wrap about the leg of apatient. However, those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefitof this disclosure will appreciate that the compression device 800 couldequally be configured as an arm cuff, a knee sleeve, or sleeve foranother body part.

The compression device 800 comprises a wrap 801 configured to wrap aboutthe patient's limb. In one embodiment, the wrap 801 is manufactured froma non-stretchable material. In other embodiments, the wrap 801 ismanufactured from a stretchable, elasticized material. The wrap 801 cancomprise one or more layers of material that are stitched together. Forexample, in one embodiment, the wrap 801 comprises at least two layersof material that are stitched together along a perimeter 802. Panels,e.g., central panel 803, can also be defined along the wrap 801 bystitching 804 as well. The stitching 804 can be replaced by othersuitable means for joining the materials, such as high frequency welds,ultrasonic welding, thermal bonding, heat-sealing, or adhesive bonding.

One example of a suitable material for the wrap 801 is nylon tricot.Nylon tricot is manufactured by machines that use a warp-knit pattern toweave nylon fiber. The fibers are typically woven across the width ofthe material layer in a zigzag pattern. The nylon tricot can be 100%nylon fiber, or can alternatively be a blend of nylon and other fibers,including rayon or cotton. Nylon tricot works well as the wrap 801because it does not snag or run easily. Moreover, it can be manufacturedin a variety of colors. Nylon tricot can also be machine-washed.

Other materials can be used as the wrap 801 as well. For instance, thewrap 801 can be manufactured from one or more sheets of plastic,neoprene, rubber, foam, felt, polymers, resins, and/or natural fabricmaterials. In some embodiments, only some layers of the wrap 801 can beconfigured to be stretchy and elastic. For instance, the outer face 805shown in FIG. 8 can be manufactured from a stretchy material, such astricot stretch fabric, while an inner face is manufactured from anon-elastic material, or vice versa. Additionally, the various layers ofthe wrap 801 may be manufactured from materials having varying degreesof elasticity or stretchiness.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8, the wrap 801 and its outerface 805 define a proximal edge 806, a distal edge 807, a first sideedge 808, and a second side edge 809. In this embodiment, the secondside edge 809 defines a plurality of attachment tabs 810,811,812. In oneembodiment, the outer face 805 of the wrap 801 and the attachment tabs810,811,812 work in tandem to allow the attachment tabs 810,811,812 toattach to the outer face 805. In one embodiment the wrap 801 andattachment tabs 810,811,812 employ hook and loop fastening devices forattachment. For example, each of the attachment tabs 810,811,812 caninclude hook fasteners disposed on the inner face (disposed opposite theouter face 805 and not shown in FIG. 8), while the wrap 801 comprisesloop pile fabric to which the hook fasteners can attach. Alternatively,loop fasteners can be disposed along the outer face 805 to provide anattaching surface. It will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure that other attachmentmechanisms can be used, such as zippers, buttons, straps, laces,adhesive, or other devices.

In one embodiment, one of the attachment tabs 810,811,812 has an indexline 813 disposed thereon. While the index line 813 can be disposed uponmultiple attachment tabs 810,811,812, in the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 8, the index line 813 is disposed only on the attachment tab 810located adjacent to the proximal edge 806 of the wrap 801.

To ensure that the appropriate fit is achieved when applying thecompression device 800 to the patient's limb, in one embodiment theouter face 805 of the wrap 801 has a measurement scale 814 disposedthereon. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8, the measurement scale814 comprises two longitudinal boundaries 815,816 identifying a rangewithin which the index line 813 should position for the compressiondevice 800 to provide an appropriate fit for providing compressiontherapy when the compression device 800 is wrapped about the patientlimb. Accordingly, when the wrap 801 is wrapped about the limb andattachment tab 810 is attached to the outer face 805, an appropriate fitis achieved when the index line 813 lands within the two longitudinalboundaries 815,816.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8, the longitudinal boundaries815,816 are configured to fit a “medium” sized compression device 800.Illustrative dimensions for such longitudinal boundaries 815,816 can beas follows: longitudinal boundary 815 can be about four centimeters fromthe first side edge 808. Similarly, longitudinal boundary 816 can beabout four centimeters from the stitching 827 of the central panel 803.Along the distal edge 807, the longitudinal boundaries 815,816 can beabout ten centimeters apart. Along the proximal edge 806, thelongitudinal boundaries 815,816 can be about eighteen centimeters. Itshould be noted that these dimensions are for one illustrativeembodiment only, and are not to be considered limiting. Similar and/orproportional measurements may be used for other smaller and largersizes, with the longitudinal boundaries 815,816 being predetermineddistances from the edges of the wrap 801. Further, as will be shownbelow in FIG. 4, the longitudinal boundaries 815,816 need not extend allthe way across the wrap 801. Other configurations of longitudinalboundaries 815,816 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8, the measurement scale includesa range indicator 817 and usage instructions 818. This illustrativerange indicator 817 comprises the word “range” and two arrows 819,820that verify that the space 821 between the two longitudinal boundaries815,816 is the proper landing area for the index line 813. The usageinstructions 818 provide direction as to how to properly wrap thecompression device 800 about the torso. For example, the illustrativeusage instructions 818 of FIG. 8 state, “Wrap sleeve around patient'sleg. Ensure that the index line falls between the two range indicators.If not, use a smaller or larger sleeve as required.”

If the index line 813 does not land between the two longitudinalboundaries 815,816, in one or more embodiments the measurement scale 814further comprises instructions 822,823 directing a health care servicesprovider with specifics as to what action to take next. For example, afirst set of instructions 822 is disposed between one of thelongitudinal boundaries 815 and the first side edge 808. Theseinstructions 822 indicate that a larger compression device is required.In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8, these instructions 822 alsoprovide the part number that should be selected for convenience. Theinstructions 822 state, “If index line is out of range, use MDS601L(Large 18″-24″).” A health care service provider's attention will bedirected to these instructions 822 when the index line 813 positionsbetween the longitudinal boundary 815 and the first side edge 808 whenthe compression device 800 is wrapped about the patient limb andattachment tab 810 is attached to the outer face 805.

Additional instructions 823 are provided when the compression device 800is too large. Specifically, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8,the additional instructions 823 are disposed between another of thelongitudinal boundaries 816 and the second side edge 809. The additionalinstructions 823 indicate that a smaller compression device is required.As with instructions 822, the additional instructions 823 optionallyprovide a part number for user convenience. The additional instructions823 state, “If index line is out of range, use MDS601P (Small up to12″).” A health care service provider's attention will be directed tothese additional instructions 823 when the index line 813 positionsbetween longitudinal boundary 816 and the second side edge 809 when thecompression device 800 is wrapped about the patient limb and attachmenttab 810 is attached to the outer face 805.

Other indicia can be disposed along the outer face 805 as well. Forexample, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8, each of theattachment tabs 810,811,812 has an ordinal number 824,825,826 disposedthereon. In this embodiment, the ordinal numbers 824,825,826 indicate inwhich order the plurality of attachment tabs 810,811,812 are to beattached to the outer face 805 of the wrap 801. Experimental testing hasshown that the most effective method for preventing DVT when applyingthe compression device 800 is to apply the most distal attachment tab812 first, followed by the next attachment tab 811, and finally the mostproximal attachment tab 810. This method helps to push blood back towardthe patient's torso and works to prevent blood pooling distally from thecompression device. Accordingly, attachment tab 810 has the lowestordinal number 824, while the greatest ordinal number, i.e., ordinalnumber 826, is disposed on the attachment tab 810 located adjacent tothe proximal edge 806 of the compression device 800.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8, the wrap 801 comprises acentral panel 803 that is defined by two longitudinal stitches 827,828.To alert the health care services provider to the size of thecompression device 800, the central panel also comprises indicia 829identifying a size of the compression device 800, which in this case isa medium, defined by an inner diameter wrap length of between twelve andeighteen inches.

In one or more embodiments, to provide an additional mnemonic indicatorof the size, at least one of the plurality of attachment tabs, in thiscase attachment tab 811, has corresponding indicia 830 identifying thesize of the compression device 800 as well. As the index line 813 isdisposed on attachment tab 810 in this embodiment, and the correspondingindicia 830 is disposed on attachment tab 811, the index line 813 andthe corresponding indicia 830 identifying the size of the compressiondevice 800 are disposed on different attachment tabs. However, it shouldbe noted that they could be disposed on the same tab as well.

It is contemplated that other mnemonic indicators of size can beincluded as well. For example, in one embodiment, the outer face 805 iscolor-coded with a color visually indicative of the size. The wrap 801can be manufactured in a particular color that corresponds to aparticular size. In one embodiment, the wrap 801 is manufactured inyellow to represent a small size, grey to represent medium, red torepresent large, and green to represent extra large.

In other embodiments, the wrap 801 can be manufactured from a commoncolor, such as blue. However, piping disposed along the perimeter 802can be color-coded with a color visually indicative of the size that isdifferent from the color of the wrap 801. Accordingly, the combinationof the color and another color can be configured to be visuallyindicative of the size of the compression device 800. For example, whilethe outer face 805 is blue, the perimeter 802 can be color-coded suchthat it is yellow to represent a small size, grey to represent medium,red to represent large, and green to represent extra large.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first side edge 808 and the second side edge 809are not parallel. This is due to the fact that a medial reference line831 extending across the wrap 801 has a curvature configured tofacilitate the wrap 801 wrapping around a patient's limb. This causesboth the first side edge 808 and second side edge 809, and thelongitudinal boundaries 815,116, respectively, to be oblique relative toeach other so as to be substantially orthogonal with the imaginarymedial reference line 831. Accordingly, the longitudinal boundaries815,816 form a quasi-frustoconical shape (“quasi” because the top andbottom are curved in accordance with the curvature).

In one or more embodiments, additional graphical indicia can be disposedalong the outer face 805 of the wrap as well. For example, in theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 8, a product name 832 and part number833 are provided. Additionally, an indicator 834 of which side forms theouter face 805 is provided. Product specific information 835, such asinformation indicating that the product is latex free, can alsooptionally be provided. Diagrams and pictures 836 can be included toprovide a quick reference for a health care services provider thatvisually depicts usage of the compression device 800.

Turning now to FIG. 9, illustrated therein is a sectional view of thecompression device 800. The sectional view is provided to showcomponents of the compression device 800 that are generally not visiblewhen viewing the front side (805). As noted above, in one or moreembodiments the wrap 801 can be manufactured from various layers.Accordingly, elements shown in sectional views can be disposed betweenthose layers. Where the wrap 801 is manufactured from a single layer,the components will frequently be disposed on the inner side, and thuswill not be visible from the front side (805).

As shown in FIG. 9, in one embodiment the compression device 800includes a bladder 901 that is configured to be selectively inflatableor deflatable. In one embodiment, the bladder 901 is disposed beneaththe central panel (803). In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 9, thisis the case, as the bladder 901 is disposed between stitching 827,828.In one embodiment, the stitching 827,828 defines the bladder 901. Inanother embodiment, the bladder 901 is a separate component that is heldin place by the stitching 827,828. While the central panel (803) is onesuitable location for the bladder 901, it is illustrative only. Otherlocations will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefit of this disclosure. Disposing the bladder 901 along thecentral panel (803) in a compression device 800 configured for the legallows the bladder 901 to be positioned beneath the calf muscle of apatient who is lying upon their back.

While the bladder 901 is shown illustratively in FIG. 9 as being asingle chamber bladder with no internal welds or chambers, it should beunderstood that the bladder 901 may also be constructed as amulti-chamber bladder as well. Chambers may be formed with internal weldpatterning or other suitable internal patterning including bafflingand/or seams provided by welding or other adjoining methods.

In one embodiment, the bladder 901 is inflatable through a connectiontube 902. For example, in one application the bladder 901 can beinflated with air to a pressure of forty millimeters of mercury to applypressure to a patient's limb for compression therapy. The connectiontube 902 is coupled to the bladder 901 by way of a connector 903.

In one embodiment, to provide a more comfortable user experience, theconnector 903 and connection tube 902 exit the bladder 901 at anon-orthogonal angle 904 relative to the distal edge 807 of the wrap801. For example, in one embodiment the non-orthogonal angle 904 isabout 120 degrees. When the central panel (803) is disposed beneath thepatient's leg, for instance, the non-orthogonal angle 904 ensures thatthe connection tube 902 does not run parallel to the patient's leg,thereby causing discomfort that occurs when the connection tube passesalong the patient's Achilles tendon. The non-orthogonal angle 904 causesthe connection tube 902 to naturally curve away from the patient's leg,thereby increasing the patient's comfort when using the compressiondevice 800. While 120 degrees is one example of a suitablenon-orthogonal angle, others will be obvious to those of ordinary skillin the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 10, illustrated therein is another sectional view ofthe compression device 800. As shown in FIG. 10, one embodiment of thecompression device comprises a foam layer 1001 disposed adjacent to thedistal edge 807 of the wrap 801. In one embodiment, the foam layer 1001extends distally from the distal edge 807 across only a portion of thewrap 801. Comparing FIGS. 9 and 10, it can be seen that in thisillustrative embodiment, the foam layer 1001 covers the connector (903)of the bladder (901) to slightly elevate the patient's heel when thecompression device 800 is in use. This elevation helps to ensure thatthe connector (903) of the bladder (901) does not become a pressurepoint against the patient's leg.

Turning now to FIG. 11, illustrated therein is an alternate compressiondevice 1100 having a measurement scale 1114 that is configureddifferently from the measurement scale (814) of FIG. 8. As noted above,problems can arise when compression devices are twisted or folded. Tohelp prevent such situations, the longitudinal boundaries 1115,1116 ofFIG. 11 do not traverse the length 1140 of the wrap 1101. Instead, theytraverse only a portion of that length 1140, and are intersected by alatitudinal boundary 1141. Accordingly, the measurement scale 1114 formsnot only a longitudinal target for an appropriate fit, but a latitudinaltarget as well.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 11, the longitudinal boundaries1115,1116 begin at the proximal edge 1106 and extend distally from theproximal edge 1106. They traverse only a portion of the outer face 1105,and do not extend to the distal edge 1107. In this embodiment, thelongitudinal boundaries 1115,1116 traverse only about a third of theouter face 1105. The longitudinal boundaries 1115,1116 then terminate atthe latitudinal boundary 1141. The latitudinal boundary 1141 cancomprise the curvature of the wrap 1101, or may alternatively bestraight. The latitudinal boundary 1141, the longitudinal boundaries1115,1116, and the proximal edge 1106 thus form a lateral target withinwhich the index line 1113 should position for the compression device1100 to provide the appropriate fit when the compression device 1100 iswrapped about a patient's limb to provide compression therapy.

This lateral target is an advantage offered by embodiments of thepresent invention. This advantage is not offered by prior art sizingdevices that have been included with devices that wrap about a patient'slimb due to the fact that the twisting distortion, which leads tocompromised compression therapy, is not known in other fields. Using ablood pressure cuff as an example, lateral alignment is not an issuebecause the only side affect of improper lateral alignment is amisreading that is easily detectable due to its error. By contrast, incompression therapy, the applicants of the present application havediscovered that lateral alignment is of issue in compression therapybecause misalignment can result in skin breakdown and/or pressureulcers. The inclusion of the lateral target offers a distinct advantagethat is not provided in prior art sizing devices.

To accommodate shorter longitudinal boundaries 1115,1116, in oneembodiment the instructions 1122,1123 cam be compressed into doublelines to provide an additional mnemonic indicator of the lateral natureof the target. Further, the a range indicator 1117 and usageinstructions 1118 can be moved toward the proximal edge 1106 to fitwithin the measurement scale 1114.

Turning now to FIG. 12, illustrated therein is a side elevation view ofone embodiment of a compression device 800 wrapped about a patient's leg302. As shown, this embodiment includes the foam layer 1001 that isconfigured to lift the patient's heel 1281. This allows the connectiontube 902 to extend at its non-orthogonal angle (904) from the bladder(901), which has been inflated, without applying pressure to thepatient's leg or Achilles tendon. Further, the inclusion of the foamlayer 1001 can work to prevent possible abrasions, shearing, orapplication of unnecessary pressure that may affect the patient'scirculation. As shown, the compression device 800 properly fits thepatient, as the index line 813 positions within the measurement scale814 when the compression device 800 is wrapped about the patient's leg302.

Turning now to FIG. 13, illustrated therein is a rehabilitation system1300 and method of applying the same to a patient's leg 302 inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In thisillustrative embodiment, the rehabilitation system 1300 comprises a heelprotector 100 and a compression device 800. The heel protector 100comprises a leg engaging section 101 and a foot engaging section 102intersecting at a heel receiver 103. The leg engaging section 101 andthe foot engaging section 102 then define a leg insertion aperture 104.The leg insertion aperture 104 defines at least one aperture 204disposed in an ankle region 205.

The compression device 800 is configured for providing compressiontherapy to a patient limb, which in this case is the patient's leg 302.As previously described, the compression device comprises a wrap 801.The wrap 801 includes a central panel (803) comprising an inflatablebladder (901) configured to be selectively inflatable through aconnection tube (902) to apply pressure to the patient's leg 302. Inthis illustrative embodiment, the connection tube (902) exits theinflatable bladder (901) at a non-orthogonal angle relative to thedistal edge of the wrap 801.

As shown, a compression device 800 has been applied to the patient's leg302 as previously described. A health care services provider 301 thenpasses the patient's leg 302 through the leg insertion aperture 104disposed along the leg engaging section 101 and the foot engagingsection 102 such that the patient's heel engages the heel receiver 103.During this step or once this step is complete, the health care servicesprovider 301 will feed the connection tube (1002) through one of theapertures (203) disposed along the leg engaging section 101. In oneembodiment, the outer face of the compression device 800 is color-coded.Since this explanatory heel protector 100 is designed for use with thecompression device 800, aperture (203) can be commonly color-coded withthe outer face of the compression device 800 to provide a mnemonicdevice indicating through which aperture (203) the connection tube(1002) should pass.

The health care services provider 301 can then wrap the fastening straps105,107,108 across the leg insertion aperture 104 to retain the heelprotector 100 to the patient's leg 302. The result of this wrapping isshown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the connection tube 1002 passesthrough aperture 203, thereby eliminating any opportunity for theconnection tube 1002 to touch the patient's skin. This reduces thechances of skin breakdown while the patient is wearing therehabilitation system 1300.

Turning now to FIG. 15, illustrated therein is an alternaterehabilitation system 1400. The rehabilitation system 1400 of FIG. 14includes the compression device 800 and the heel protector 100, but alsoincludes a bolster 1401. The bolster 1401 of FIG. 14 is similar to thebolster (700) described above with reference to FIG. 7, but with onesignificant difference. Since the connection tube 1002 of thecompression device 800 passes through aperture (203), the bolster 1401has been configured with a channel 1402 configured to permit theconnection tube 1002 to pass from the aperture (203) through the channel1402. Accordingly, in this illustrative embodiment, the channel 1402 isconfigured with a shape that is complementary to that of the connectiontube 1002. Those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure will realize that the channel 1402 could take any of avariety of shapes. For example, the channel 1402 may be much wider thanthe connection tube 1002 so as to permit the connection tube 1002 to beplaced at various lateral locations without moving the bolster 1401.

As noted above, embodiments of the invention can be configured to notonly work with compression devices set forth in this disclosure, butprior art devices as well. Turning now to FIG. 16, illustrated thereinis one embodiment of a heel protector 1600 configured to be used withprior art devices. FIG. 16 is shown in a sectional view, which providesthe opportunity to illustrate that heel protectors configured inaccordance with embodiments of the invention are “stuffed” heelprotectors, in that they include stuffing 1601 or pillowing materialalong their interior. Illustrating by example, the stuffing 1601 cancomprise padding, fiber batting, or other material that is stuffedbetween the layers of material defining the exterior and interior of theheel protector 1600.

To accommodate prior art compression devices, the interior of the heelprotector 1600 of FIG. 16 includes a connection tube receiving channel1602 in addition to the apertures 1603 disposed in the ankle region ofthe leg engaging portion 1604 of the heel protector 1600. It should benoted that where the connection tube receiving channel 1602 is included,the apertures 1603 need not be included, but can be. In thisillustrative embodiment, the connection tube receiving channel 1602 isdisposed along a seam 1605 of the leg engaging portion 1604.

In one or more embodiments, the connection tube receiving channel 1602is configured to receive a connection tube from a prior art connectiondevice. Prior art connection devices do not include the non-orthogonalexit configuration described above, and therefore have connection tubesthat pass along the Achilles tendon of a patient, which of course leadsto skin breakdown when used in conjunction with an outer wrap. The heelprotector 1600 of FIG. 16 eliminates this risk by providing a channelfor the connection tube. To wit, the connection tube can be placed intothe connection tube receiving channel 1602 and directed from the heelprotector 1600 through the aperture 1606 disposed at the heel receiver.Alternatively, the connection tube can be placed into the tube receivingchannel 1602 and directed through a dedicated exit port disposed near,but separate from, the aperture 1606 disposed at the heel receiver.These alternatives are shown in FIG. 17.

As shown in FIG. 17, in one embodiment the connection tube 1700 passesfrom the connection tube receiving channel 1602 and out of the heelprotector 1600 through the aperture 1606 disposed at the heel receiver.In an alternate embodiment, the connection tube 1700 can pass from thetube receiving channel 1602 out of a dedicated exit port 1703 that isdisposed near, but separate from, the aperture 1606 disposed at the heelreceiver. The exit port 1703, where used, can be disposed on a firstside of the aperture 1606, on a second side, as indicated by exit port1704, or in both locations.

As with any of the heel protectors described above, in one or moreembodiments a label 1701 or labels can be applied to the heel protector1600. Health care services providers can write patient information onthe labels 1701 to ensure that the right heel protector 1600 gets to theright patient after laundering. As shown in FIG. 17, the label 1701 canbe attached to a seam at the foot engaging section 1702 of the heelprotector to appropriately identify the heel protector 1600 and its use.Alternatively, the label 1701 can include information such asmanufacturer's name or instructions for applying the heel protector 1600and/or related components.

Turning now to FIG. 18, illustrated therein is an alternate heelprotector 1800 configured in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. While the heel protector (100) of FIG. 2 illustrated twoexemplary apertures (203,204) suitable for use with one or moreembodiments of the invention, it should be understood that any number ofapertures can be designed into embodiments of the invention withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. To illustrate this in anexplanatory way, the heel protector 1800 of FIG. 18 includes threeapertures 1801,1802,1803. Each aperture 1801,1802,1803 can optionally beconfigured to create a channel for a connection tube. Moreover, eachaperture 1801,1802,1803 can optionally be reinforced with stitching aspreviously described.

As shown in FIG. 18, two apertures 1801,1802 are disposed in an ankleregion 1804 of the leg engaging section 1805. In the illustrativeembodiment of FIG. 18, one aperture 1801 is disposed at least apredetermined distance 1806 from the foot engaging section 1807, whileanother aperture 1802 is disposed within the predetermined distance1806. This separation between apertures 1801,1802 advantageously allowsthe heel protector 1800 to accommodate a variety of differentcompression devices.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 18, aperture 1801 is disposedmore than four inches from the heel receiver 1808, while aperture 1802is disposed less than four inches from the heel receiver 1808. Aperture1803 is disposed in the foot engaging section 1807 opposite the heelreceiver 1808 from apertures 1801,1802. Other embodiments will beobvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure. For example, eight, ten, twelve, or more apertures could beincluded in a heel protector without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. Moreover, each of these apertures could be distallyspaced from each other so as to accommodate connection tube designsintended for use with heel protectors configured in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the artappreciates that various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theclaims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the invention havebeen illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not solimited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, andequivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by thefollowing claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofpresent invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, andany element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution tooccur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A heel protector, comprising: a leg engaging section and a foot engaging section intersecting at a heel receiver, the leg engaging section and the foot engaging section defining a leg insertion aperture; the leg engaging section defining at least one aperture disposed in an ankle region, the ankle region disposed at least a predetermined distance from the foot engaging section, the at least one aperture defining a channel to permit a connection tube extending from an inflatable bladder of a compression device to pass therethrough; further comprising a connection tube receiving channel disposed between the at least one aperture disposed in the ankle region and an aperture disposed at the heel receiver, and along a seam of the leg engaging section, the connection tube receiving channel to direct a connection tube from the heel protector toward an aperture disposed at the heel receiver.
 2. The heel protector of claim 1, the leg engaging section defining at least two apertures disposed in the ankle region.
 3. The heel protector of claim 2, one aperture disposed about forty-five degrees around the leg engaging section from another aperture.
 4. The heel protector of claim 1, the heel protector defining a connection tube channeling aperture disposed at the heel receiver.
 5. The heel protector of claim 1, the connection tube channeling aperture being color-coded.
 6. The heel protector of claim 5, the connection tube channeling aperture color-coded differently from the at least one aperture.
 7. The heel protector of claim 1, the connection tube receiving channel to direct the connection tube through a dedicated exit port disposed near, but separate from, the aperture disposed at the heel receiver.
 8. The heel protector of claim 7, the connection tube receiving channel to receive the connection tube and direct the connection tube away from the heel protector through the at least one aperture.
 9. The heel protector of claim 1, further comprising a bolster to stabilize the heel protector rotationally when worn by a patient.
 10. The heel protector of claim 9, the bolster comprising a triangular cross section.
 11. The heel protector of claim 9, the heel protector comprising a fastener disposed on an exterior of the leg engaging section, the bolster comprising a complementary fastener disposed on an exterior of the bolster.
 12. The heel protector of claim 11, the fastener comprising one of a hook fastener or a loop fastener, the complementary fastener comprising another of the hook fastener or the loop fastener.
 13. The heel protector of claim 9, the bolster affixed to the leg engaging section.
 14. The heel protector of claim 9, the bolster defining a bolster channel to permit the connection tube to pass from the at least one aperture through the bolster channel. 